Department of the Languages and Cultures of the Near and Middle East

Arabic Critical Theory and Thought

Module Code:

15PNMC403

Unit value:

1

Taught in:

Full Year

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of a course, a student should be able to demonstrate a rounded knowledge and critical understanding of the major issues, disciplines and contexts relevant to the emergence and development of Arabic critical thought and theory. S/he will have been introduced to the key works in the subject and become familiar with the terminology and language in Arabic critical discourses, and with the methods of analysis and argumentation as embodied in selected texts by leading authors. S/he will be able to relate theories and critical discourses to the contemporary cultural politics production of knowledge, especially in the field of literary studies. S/he will also acquire the critical tools to comprehend and analyse theory and critical discourses as well as the language to articulate the ways in which Arab theorists grappled with crucial epistemological questions through the prism of language and literature.

Workload

This course is taught over 22 weeks with 2 hours classroom contact per week.

Scope and syllabus

The objectives of the course are to provide a guided inquiry into the history and analytical methods of Arabic critical thought and theory as a necessary background to understanding literary and cultural texts from a perspective within the same intellectual tradition; to examine critically the range of issues and theories found in Arabic critical discourses on poetics, rhetoric, grammar, logic, argumentation, and in ‘theorizing’ spread across the disciplines of grammar, linguistics, theology and philosophy; to sharpen students’ awareness of the relationship between language and thought, and provide them with the necessary skills to relate the development of thought to cultural changes and intercultural exchanges.

Course readings and discussions are guided by, but not exhaustive of, or exclusive to, the following major topics:

Tools of thought: grammar and logic

Poetics and rhetoric in philosophy and the sciences of the Arabic language

Inimitability of the Qur’an: theorizing the sacred language

Theology of meaning

Dialogism in Arabic linguistic theory

Kalām and kalim: Arabic discourse analysis

Metaphor as language practice

Image, imagery and imagination

The Literary imaginary

Word, sound, and image: semiotics and semiology

Metres, patterns and rhythms: theorizing poetry

Language, literature and reality

Modernity and modernization

Gharīb and ‘ajīb: defamiliarization in language

The logic of literature

Language, literature and thought

Gender in discourse

Gender thinking

Politicizing aesthetics

Ethics of criticism

Method of assessment

One three-hour written examination taken in May/June (50%); one essay of 2,500 - 3,000 words to be submitted week 1, term 2 (20%); one essay of 2,500 - 3,000 words to be submitted on week 1, term 3 (20%); Presentation and class discussions (10%).